Morning sports update: Tony La Russa says he’ll ‘just be a resource’ to the Red Sox
Both the Celtics and the Patriots are 6-2, while the Red Sox have made multiple changes to their coaching personnel.
Tony La Russa says he’ll ‘just be a resource’ to the Red Sox: On Thursday, Boston announced it had hired La Russa as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. According to the team’s announcement, he’ll work under Dombrowski “in all areas of baseball operations, including player development and consultation with the major and minor league staffs.”
La Russa, who previously managed 33 seasons of baseball, described his role as “a resource” in a conference call with reporters. The 73-year-old says he plans to assist new manager Alex Cora in whatever ways he can, without stepping on his toes.
“I’m going to be very sensitive to his position is the best way to put it,” La Russa said. “He’s the one who has to establish his leadership position with the major league team and his staff. I’ll be available. When he asks, I’ll give him the best answer. But I’m not getting in his way or try to influence him because I know he knows the direction he wants to go. I’ll just be a resource.”
He has the utmost faith in Cora, however, calling him “a very bright young man that’s going to be an outstanding manager.” The three-time World Series champion said that he’s going to call upon his most recent experience as Arizona Diamondbacks chief baseball analyst to help guide his time in Boston.
“I think it’s the way to do it here, too,” he said. “To be sure that Alex and his major league coaches are clearly in charge of the major league situation. They’re the people who are going to be there every day creating relationships with their players, so any of us that are on the periphery, you’re there to help without getting in the way.”
Red Sox hire three new coaches: “Former major league manager Ron Roenicke will be the bench coach for new manager Alex Cora. Tom Goodwin returns to the Sox as first base coach and outfield instructor. Double A Portland manager Carlos Febles was promoted to third base coach and infield instructor.” (Boston.com, via The Boston Globe)
Stephen Curry puzzled over mention in GOP tax proposal: “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act includes specific safeguards to prevent tax avoidance and help ensure taxpayers of all income levels play by the rules under this new fairer, simpler tax system,” the tax proposal stated. “Our legislation will ensure this much-needed tax relief goes to the local job creators it’s designed to help by distinguishing between the individual wage income of NBA All-Star Stephen Curry and the pass-through business income of Steve’s Bike Shop.” (Boston.com, via AP)
I wonder if Steve’s Bike shop is hiring…
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) November 2, 2017
Sean Kuraly’s 1st NHL goal lifts Bruins over Golden Knights 2-1: Kuraly got to a rebound during a scrum in front of the Vegas net after a shot by Torey Krug with 10:07 left, restoring Boston’s lead and helping the Bruins to avoid being swept by the expansion Golden Knights in their inaugural season. It was the second assist of the night for Krug, who helped set up Reilly Nash’s goal early in the second for Boston, which was coming off consecutive losses in overtime and a shootout. (Boston.com, via AP)
First NHL goal, regular-season version for @kurals9.
A+ on the excitement level. https://t.co/U1msW9y6DF
— NHL (@NHL) November 3, 2017
Bruins place David Backes on injured reserve: Backes has been bothered by diverticulitis and has played only five games this season. He is expected to miss up to eight weeks as he recovers from surgery to remove a portion of his colon. (Boston.com, via AP)
7 things Gordon Hayward said at his first Celtics press conference since his injury: “It’s going to be really important for me and my mental health to stay involved and still be a part of the team as much as I can. Be out there on the court with them, be with them in the locker room, and I can see different things watching the film that maybe they can’t see out on the court. I can try to help them. That will help me as well.” (Boston.com)
